As an exciting chapter for the advancement of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Singapore, the city’s Science Center has unveiled its latest architectural masterpiece, a new building conceived by the prestigious firm Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). 

The recent opening ceremony represents a significant milestone and the beginning of a new era in immersive educational experiences. This ambitious project, which will be fully completed in 2027, promises to transform the way the community interacts with learning, fusing architectural innovation with educational excellence. 

Dimension and state-of-the-art technology 

The Science Center design is the result of a unique collaboration between Zaha Hadid Architects and Architects 61 Pte Ltd. This creative team has brought to life a state-of-the-art facility, strategically located next to the MRT Chinese Garden station, to become an icon in the Jurong Lake District. 

Covering 55,000 square meters, this center seeks to transform the way science education is approached. The incorporation of cutting-edge technology allows for immersive learning experiences, from interactive exhibits to hands-on workshops, designed to stimulate curiosity and discovery in visitors of all ages. 

Education and active participation  

The official opening of the center is scheduled for the end of 2027, a strategic timing that also happens to be the 50th anniversary of the Singapore Science Center. Choosing this date not only underscores the importance of the project but also highlights the institution’s continuous evolution to adapt to changing educational needs. 

The Science Center is focused on exhibits and advanced technology, while it aims to encourage the active participation of parents and children. The center seeks to create an environment conducive to joint exploration and learning through programs and exhibits designed in collaboration with partners. 

Aside from cutting-edge technology, the center hopes to become a forum for discussing pressing issues such as sustainability and climate change. Through workshops, exhibits, and lectures, the Science Center is expected to stimulate meaningful conversations about contemporary challenges. 

Experimentation and originality  

The project, which involves the prominent firm ZHA and MRT Chinese Garden, integrates solidly with the surrounding landscape, offering diverse gardens and spaces for all to enjoy. From a scientific perspective, the nature trails and an existing secondary forest are presented as open opportunities for exploration. 

Strategic collaborations with the National Parks Board (NParks), the national water agency PUB, and several nature groups will expand the options for learning trails and programs for the public, establishing a unique connection between the environment, architecture, and education. 

The Science Center is presented as a space for experimentation, which will house innovative ideas and concepts, offering visitors a unique and distinctive experience. A recent example was the Comic Art and Science Fiction Exhibition in September 2023, which moved away from the conventional expectations of science. 

This center not only redefines STEM education in Singapore, but also sets a standard for merging innovative architecture, nature, and experiential learning. A testament to the vision of Zaha Hadid Architects and the effective collaboration that can lead to pioneering educational institutions.